Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 286

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 286 – To the Party Venue

“U-um… Am I really supposed to go like this!?”

It was late afternoon on the day they left the Demon Lord’s castle.

Outside, a carriage was waiting, and Ain was inside alone.

Accompanied by Sylvia, Chris approached the carriage, her voice trembling with fear.

“Yeah, that’s right. Is there a problem?”

“It doesn’t look the least bit knightly to join the party dressed like this—”

“You mean it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings?”

“…Yes.”

To put it plainly, Ain was unmarried. However, Krone had been close to him since their student days, and they consistently displayed affectionate behavior while on missions together.

Amidst rumors that the Crown Prince and his assistant were quite close, along came Chris.

Today, she wasn’t wearing a knight’s uniform, and her hairstyle was different, too.

She wore a bright red dress, and while her hair was styled straight down as usual, it featured elegant curls reminiscent of a noble lady. She wore just enough jewelry to be appealing without being ostentatious.

To an outsider, today’s Chris looked less like an attendant or bodyguard and more like a guest at a party with Ain. It was inevitable that people would suspect their relationship.

This was precisely what worried Chris. Her mind was occupied by thoughts: Was she acting alone? Was she doing something wrong to Krone?

“That thought is spot on. But, you know, if that’s considered wrong, then Ain-kun is the one responsible.”

“Ain-sama, you mean?”

“Yes, because he’s the proxy for the invitation to me and Cain. We’re a married couple. There’s no master-servant relationship between us.”

“B-but our positions are…”

“Since you’re acting as my proxy, it’s only natural that your participation would differ.” Sylvia hinted at this with a casual air, as if it were obvious.

Whether Chris accepted that, however, was another matter entirely.

“You needn’t worry about anything. I don’t consider my words sophistry. Besides, to put it bluntly, the current king and queen wouldn’t dismiss my request outright.”

The bloodline of the founding king was held in higher esteem than that of anyone else in the kingdom. Sylvia was his mother, and Cain his father.

Sylvird couldn’t possibly disregard that. She was confident he would acknowledge it if it meant serving as her proxy.

“It’s a bit embarrassing that all the other nobles brought their ladies but Ain-kun didn’t, isn’t it?”

“If you’re going to bring that up, then me wearing knight’s armor shouldn’t be a problem—”

“It was. There’s a difference between bringing a knight and bringing a lady. Surely the Captain of the Royal Knights wouldn’t fail to understand that?”

“Mm… mm…”

“You really don’t need to worry about anything. If anyone says anything after you return, just say I forced you, okay?”

Even though she said that, Chris had a strong sense of responsibility, and she didn’t want to shift the blame in that manner.

Deep down, she knew she had no choice but to go. She just wasn’t arguing strongly.

“There, smile. You’re so lovely and beautiful. Stand tall and enjoy yourself with Ain.”

Finally, the time came.

It was time for Chris to leave the Demon Lord’s castle and board the carriage. She couldn’t keep Ain waiting inside the carriage, so she quickened her pace.

“I might have been a bit forceful, but I truly want you to enjoy yourself.”

Sylvia stepped in front of Chris and gently adjusted her hair, makeup, and jewelry.

At that moment, her expression was incredibly gentle, overflowing with warm, embracing kindness that made one want to lean on her unconditionally.

“I know Krone-san very well. She’s a good girl—intelligent and courageous—more than enough to stand beside Ain.”

“Yes, I think so too…”

Hearing this, Chris lowered her head, feeling that she couldn’t compete.

But Sylvia held the exact opposite opinion.

“But you know, I don’t think you’re inferior, Chris-san. You make Ain smile. You’ve protected him more closely than anyone else. You’ve even risked your life for him. It’s fine. If anyone complains about you standing beside him, I’ll punish them myself.”

“Ahaha… S-Sylvia-sama’s punishment sounds severe.”

“Yes, it is. I won’t forgive anyone for making someone I care about sad. There, that’s enough.”

Finally, she gently stroked Chris’ head, nodded with satisfaction, and pushed her forward.

She waved her hand to open the large door and guided Chris toward the carriage waiting just outside.

“Visit again, Chris-san. You’re welcome anytime.”

The dress was awkward to walk in, unlike usual.

The snow had magically melted, exposing the cobblestones along the path leading to the carriage.

Cain had likely been talking to Ain about something shortly after Chris left the Demon King’s Castle. He left the carriage and headed toward the castle.

“Sorry about that. It seems Sylvia’s hobby dragged you into it and caused you trouble.”

“No, not at all! Rather, I’m honored… Wait, hobby?”

“Yeah, back in the day, she often dressed up Arche and played around. She enjoyed herself.”

Playful, or perhaps free-spirited.

It was easy to picture Sylvia like that, and Chris couldn’t help but smile.

“Right. Smile like that in front of Ain, too. I’m not saying you have to curry favor with him, but it’s better to enjoy what you can.”

“…I’ll try.”

He stepped aside onto the stone path, letting Chris proceed to the carriage.

As they passed, he said, “Take care of Ain,” and she replied in an equally quiet voice, “Yes.”

But he suddenly stopped, quickened his pace, and approached the carriage.

“Cain-sama, is something wrong?”

“Come to think of it, it doesn’t seem quite right for a lady to open the carriage door herself and step in.”

The Sword King was escorting her to the carriage. He was the father of the founding king, no less. How splendid.

He placed his hand on the carriage door and urged her forward with a grace that made the castle butler seem pale in comparison.

Chris hesitated at the gesture, but as the door slowly opened and Ain came into view, she found herself caught between strong tension and the urge to comply.

But that, too, was soon forgotten.

“It’s fine. Hold your head high.”

Encouraged by the same words Sylvia had used, Chris took a deep breath and regained her composure.

Wasn’t it strange that these two possessed such persuasive words? She found it odd, but more than that, she tried to show her gratitude for the calm they brought her.

“Thank you very much. We gained a great deal of information during this visit.”

“Haha, that’s the best news of all.”

Cain’s silver hair swayed in the cold wind.

The silver hair that Chris knew best belonged to Sierra, her childhood friend from the elven village. However, Cain’s silver hair possessed an otherworldly beauty.

He offered Chris a helping hand as she boarded the carriage, and she accepted without hesitation.

“Ain-sama. I… I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Dressed in formal attire befitting a crown prince, she sat down before him, her cheeks flushing a faint crimson to match her bright red dress as she spoke.

Meanwhile, Ain was startled to see Chris arrive late.

It was the first time he had seen her in such vivid colors. Her party attire featured a generously open neckline, and jewels adorned her throat. Moreover, her golden hair was charmingly yet luxuriously curled, making a striking impression.

She was an undeniably attractive woman—or noble lady—who would be the center of attention at any party or soirée.

“Um, Chris, right?”

He couldn’t help but confirm, his face flushed.

“O-of course! It’s different from my usual style, but Sylvia-sama did it for me…”

Still, Ain understood.

In situations like this, especially with Chris, he knew he should say something first.

“Um… I was already surprised the other day, but this really suits you. You look beautiful.”

Unfortunately, Ain’s vocabulary wasn’t extensive enough for such occasions.

However, the people around him knew he wasn’t the type to lie, and Chris understood this exceptionally well. She could clearly see that Ain’s wavering gaze and hesitation stemmed from his genuine appreciation for her beauty today.

“Ah… Um, um! If there’s anything wrong with my behavior, please point it out.”

She understood the basics of etiquette and had attended parties many times before. But accompanying someone purely as a woman was a first for her.

“It’s fine. This isn’t my first party, either. If a man escorts a woman properly, it shouldn’t burden her.”

“Now that you mention it, you’re right. But how many people have you escorted, Ain-sama?”

“Eh? Only three people?”

Chris thought the first must have been Krone.

She knew Olivia was the second, but who was the third? Curious, she asked.

“Krone-san and Olivia-sama…who was the other person?”

“Well, not really. It’s Katima-san. I helped her out a while back when I wasn’t as tall as I am now.”

“Katima-sama, was it? It makes sense.”

She placed her hand on her right chest, where the magic stone lay, and felt relieved that it wasn’t an unknown third party.

Her lips parted, and she let out a sensual sigh.

“Well, if there’s another chance, I guess I’ll leave it to Dill. Yeah.”

“Seriously, is that okay? You can’t just decide that on your own.”

“Honestly, there’s no other way. I can’t escort her myself. If I did, well…”

It was a process of elimination. Considering their relationship, the best solution was for Dill to be appointed as her attendant.

With King Sylvird’s official endorsement, no one would complain.

As the two conversed, the carriage began to move quietly.

“Ain-sama.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“I-I was holding back earlier, but it’s difficult to say. Things are a little different now.”

“Different…?”

Was it because Ain had praised her now that they were alone? Or maybe she had unconsciously made up her mind deep down.

Even if she didn’t understand the root cause, feelings had gradually begun to well up within Chris.

“I’m so happy. I can’t wait to participate in the party right beside Ain-sama.”

Her troubled smile was as beautiful as ever.

Today, however, it felt even more feminine—or, put another way, more girlish—creating a striking contrast.

Ain pondered her reaction, but the right words eluded him. The only phrase that came to mind was:

(Somehow, that feels like Chris.)

It was a glimpse of her true self, rarely seen.

Like that time on the water train back from Ist for the first time.

Or that party on the way back after he left her behind to go to Balt.

Like that little game when they went to the elf village.

Just as in all those moments, Chris’ essence remained utterly pure.

She was undoubtedly a woman rich in emotional expression and keenly attuned to Aine’s subtleties.

“I know I probably shouldn’t be thinking about this…”

“Not at all. It’s a special party, so let’s enjoy it together, Chris.”

First, they should just enjoy themselves without worrying about the details.

It was an opportunity Sylvia had given them. Wouldn’t it be a waste not to?

Ain laughed, and after a moment of bewilderment, Chris broke into a smile.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

A few hours later, they arrived in the town of Balt.

It was just dusk, but perhaps because it was winter, the sun set quickly.

The surroundings were already dark, and it was snowing lightly.

“The guests over there are the most important guests of all. Everyone, be extremely careful not to be rude.”

“Ha!”

Several knights called out as they approached the carriage carrying Ain and Chris.

The occupants must be the two who reside in the Demon Lord’s Castle. They were important guests of Count Raizer, and the knights must not show them any disrespect.

Several carriages were already lined up in front of the large count’s mansion, but the carriage carrying the two was guided to the spot reserved for the most important guest, right in front of the mansion’s entrance.

The beautiful carriage, drawn by rare magical beasts, did not inspire fear in those around it.

Crystal horses were a familiar sight among the nobles of Balt, an adventurer’s town.

When the carriage stopped, the surrounding nobles halted to watch as well. Passing by guests more important than themselves was utterly unthinkable.

Some were captivated by the carriage itself, while others were impressed by the majestic presence of the crystal horses.

Though a chilly air hung in the air, ladies and young ladies were accustomed to such weather, even if it meant baring their shoulders or legs.

A knight placed his hand on the carriage door and bowed his head. It was customary for the gentleman to exit first and assist the lady by taking her hand and escorting her down.

Today, however, the knight, tense with anticipation for an important guest, waited and bowed until both had dismounted.

“Thank you.”

Suddenly, the man’s words reached the knight’s ears.

To reply while still bowing would be rude. The knight slowly raised his head, preparing to answer the speaker.

“H-huh… You… Could it be…!?”

“Is that over there… His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince?”

“Th-the Crown Prince at tonight’s party?”

There was no mistaking it. A knight or noble could never mistake the crown prince, who was hailed as a hero.

Why was he here? Before the knight could fully formulate the question, he instinctively dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

Struggling not to stare at the beautiful woman standing beside him, he paid his respects to Crown Prince Ain.

“Sylvia-sama asked me to come in her stead. Might I proceed inside?”

“O-of course. Would you like to head directly to Count Raizer?”

“Yes, since I’m here as a proxy, I’ll at least make the initial greeting.”

Upon hearing this, a nearby knight hurried inside the mansion.

The other nobles watching the scene also attempted to kneel before Ain.

“No need for such formalities. You needn’t stain your knees.”

Ain stopped them with his words and demeanor. Then, he turned and spoke softly to Chris.

“Chris, Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Nervous. Awkward. Still worried.

Though her inner self was tormented by many emotions, the joy of having Ain take her hand prevailed.

With a smile that could make the moon jealous, she took a step closer, allowing her arm to slip into his left hand.

This was their first time walking together in such a situation.

Yet, beyond the reassuring strength she felt through his arm, she realized that she was happy just being like this.

Unconsciously, her palm tightened, and the distance between them closed smoothly.

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